Chicco Keyfit is one of the most popular infant car seats. The two car seats are very similar and even can use the same base. However, the KeyFit car seat is only rated to 22 pounds whereas the KeyFit 30 is rated for weights up to 30 pounds.
The KeyFit 30 has a lifespan of 6 years from the manufacturing date. The expiration date can be found on both the seat and base. The Chicco KeyFit 30 is FAA approved. The KeyFit 30 car seats all come with the car seat base. However, the car seat can still be installed without the use of the base.
In this detailed review, we are going to dig into all aspects of this Chicco car seat. We will begin with specs, pros,cons, the different models, installation guides and recalls.
Price Comparison
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The Good
- RideRight® bubble level-indicators
- ReclineSure Leveling Foot
- Different Color Options
- Various Stroller Compatibility Options
- Unique Travel System Options
- Easy to Clean
- Available with Visor Option
- Removable Head and Body Support
- Available with Breathable Backrest
The Bad
- It only goes up to 30 pounds
Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat Specifications
The specifications on the four different KeyFit 30 styles are the same except for the car seat weight.
- Chicco KeyFit 30 dimensions 27.5″ x 17″ x 24″
- Car seat weight without the base 9.7 pounds -10.25 pounds
- Base dimensions 20″ x 15″ x 8″
- Base weight 7 pounds
The height and weight restrictions on this car seat are conveniently stated in the name KeyFit 30. The restrictions are thirty inches for height and four to thirty pounds for weight.
Chicco KeyFit ‘s Compatible Strollers
The following strollers can be purchased separately from the car seat.
- Bravo Air
- Bravo LE
- BravoFor 2
- Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller
Travel Systems that Include KeyFit 30
These systems include the stroller and the car seat.
- Cortina CX Travel System
- Mini Bravo Plus
- Mini Bravo Sport
- Viaro
- Bravo Trio series (except for the Bravo Primo)
Who is Chicco?
Chicco is an Italian based company with 60 years of experience in the child safety product market. Chicco is a global company with a presence in 120 different countries worldwide. Also, they are one of the divisions owned by the Artsana group.
Not only does Chicco manufacture car seats, but they also offer different lines of toys, clothes, and other baby care products. KeyFit 30 Infant car seat is the product that Chicco is very proud of, and rightfully so as it is the #1 rated infant car seat.
Chicco and Safety
According to Chicco, “safety is their priority,” which is why they have included several safety features on their car seats.
Below are some of the vital safety characteristics found on the KeyFit 30.
- Spring Loaded ReclineSure Leveling System – The Recline sure system is easy to use. The system is made up of two buttons, on either side of the base, that release a spring-loaded leveling foot.
- Two RideRight® Bubble Level-Indicators – The level indicators, located on either side of the base, help to properly tilt the cars eat in the base ensuring the maximum safety for your child
- Removable newborn positioner cushions – As your child grows, these cushions can easily be removed to provide greater comfort, while at the same time continuing to deliver the same level of safety.
- SuperCinch® LATCH tightener One Pull – The one latch pull system makes it easy and quick to secure the base to the seat of the car.
- LATCH or Belt Securing System – This system allows parents to choose the option that works best for them.
- Padded 5 Point Safety Harness with One Pull Tightening System– This harness provides safety and comfort. Also, the reliable one-pull tightening system provides your child with a secure fit in their car seat.
- EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Energy-Absorbing Foam – The Chicco KeyFit 30 carrier shell is lined with the energy-absorbing foam protecting your infant against significant impacts during an accident.
- Canopy – There is an adjustable, removable canopy that will shade your infant from the sun.
Conveniences Found on the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
- Various Color Options
- 2 Position Ergonomic Carrying Handle
- Compatible with Chicco Strollers makes transferring your infant from the car seat to the stroller a breeze
- The smooth bottom on the base protects the vehicle seat
- Easy to Clean – Cloth Padding is machine washable (The harness is not machine washable), and the hard plastic can easily be wiped down.
How to Install the KeyFit 30 with the Vehicle Belt
As mentioned earlier, proper installation is critical in keeping your infant safe. Here’s a step by step guide on how to install the KeyFit 30 with the seatbelt.
- If you are using the car’s seatbelt and not the LATCH system. Store the LATCH belts into the back of the base. Next, pull the LATCH strap to ensure they are securely stored. Then roll the strap and store it in the pocket provided on the underside of the base.
- Place the base on the backseat with the foot of the base against the back of the seat. The safest place for the car seat is in the middle of the backseat, but if that does not work, then either side of the backseat will be fine.
- Adjust the angle by pushing the two leveling buttons on either side of the base. The base is level when the air bubble is in the center of the indicator window.
- Thread the seatbelt through the openings in the base. Then buckle the belt, but don’t lock the seatbelt.
- Press on the base and tighten the strap until secure.
- Keep tension on the belt then slide the belt under the shoulder belt lock-off. A sticker is on the side of the base indicating the lock-off area.
- Check to ensure that the seatbelt is tight on both sides. Then lock the shoulder harness in place.
- Check to see if the base is secure by moving the base right to left and front to back. There should be less than one-inch of motion.
How to Install the KeyFit 30 with the LATCH System
Here’s a step by step guide on how to install the KeyFit 30 with the LATCH System.
- Adjust the angle by pushing the two leveling buttons on either side of the base. The base is level when the air bubble is in the center of the indicator window.
- Push the red button on the side and pull out the lower anchor, there is on both sides. Release both anchors.
- After releasing the anchors lift up on the yellow tab, in the front, and pull on one of the anchor belts, which will allow more slack in the anchor belts.
- Set the seat back down, and attach the anchors, making sure that the narrow side is down, you never want to install the anchor upside down.
- Pull on the anchors to make sure it is locked on
- Push the center of the car seat back and at the same time pull on the one-pull LATCH belt located in the center of the seat
- Check to see if the base is secure by moving the base right to left and front to back. There should be less than one-inch of motion.
Chico KeyFit ‘s Accessories
Chicco has limited accessories because the different car seat models already have the traditional accessories included. However, there are a few great add-ons available that will help make your baby’s time in the vehicle or stroller better. Below are some great options for your car and the Bravo stroller.
Chicco Bravo Child Tray
This tray attaches to the front of the Bravo stroller. The tray features two cup holders and a snack tray. It is easily wiped clean. The tray simply snaps into place, so can be attached when needed.
Chicco Keyfit 30 Car Seat Base
For added convenience, a second base is nice to have. For example, if one parent drops the baby off at daycare, and the other parent picks up, it is nice to have two bases. The base has the center pull LATCH system, the leveling foot, and the bubble level indicator. The base is compatible with any KeyFit 30 seat model.
Car Sun Shade Avantina
Window shades are perfect for sunny summer days. They easily attach to the side window. The shade provides protection from the bright sun and UV rays. Plus, the shade folds up easy so can be transferred to another car as needed. The shade features cartoon animals to give your baby a fun and colorful car ride.
Sunferno Baby Car Mirror
Back seat mirrors make it convenient to check on your baby while driving. The mirror fits quickly and easily using the two straps to attach it to the back seat. The tight-fitting design makes it unnecessary to readjust after each ride.
This mirror is made up of ABS and acrylic, so if in the event of an accident, the mirror will not shatter or in any way harm the baby. Lastly, the mirror has a lifetime satisfaction guarantee.
Elepho eClip Baby Reminder for Your Car
No one ever wants to forget that their baby is in their car and with the Elepho Eclip you never will.
The Elepho eClip works with your smartphone. An alarm sounds if you are a short distance from your vehicle, and your baby is not with you. It’s easy to use and clips directly onto the car’s seat belt, so it is out of range of tiny hands.
Questions Regarding Chicco Keyfit 30.
How to Keep your Chicco KeyFit 30 Clean?
All of the removable cloth material is machine washable, but they recommend that the fabric be hung up to dry and not into the dryer. All of the hardware on the car seat and the harness can be wiped down with warm soapy water.
What is the difference between the KeyFit and the KeyFit 30?
The two car seats are the same in every way except that the KeyFit is only rated to 22 pounds whereas the KeyFit 30 is rated for weights up to 30 pounds.
KeyFit 30 Zip
This model is the same as the KeyFit 30 but with additional features.
Features
- 6 Different color options
- The head and body support with reversible knit/mesh fabrics are easily removed
- Zip-around boot
- Quick-remove seat pad
- All season boot
- Zip-off Canopy
- Zip on Visor
What does the “30” in KeyFit 30 Stand for?
The 30 represents both the maximum inches and weight recommended for this car seat.
Will it lock into a Grocery Cart?
No, it is too big for most carts, but the KeyFit 30 can be set into the basket of the cart.
Does the Chicco KeyFit 30 come with a base?
Yes, the base is included when you purchase any of the KeyFit 30 car seats.
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Chicco KeyFit 30 Recalls
Chicco has only had two recalls impacting their KeyFit 30 in the last eleven years.
– The infant seat did not satisfy the dynamic specifications for the chest acceleration of the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Seats Safety Regulations.
Car seats impacted in this recall were manufactured between 12/30/2013 – 05/21/2018 and included the Chico KeyFit 30 (Canada) Infant car seat models:
7901201, 7901210, 7901250, 7901302, 7910202, 7910505, 7910568, 7923705, 7923750, 7923751, 7923768, 7923770, 7923781, 7974736, 7974872, 7976108, 7976140, 7976151, 57976151
Solution: Chicco provided a repair kit to fix the situation
06/02/2008 – The infant seat base showed defects causing the LATCH system not to work properly.
Car seats impacted in this recall were manufactured between 02/26/2008-03/17/2008 and included Cortina travel systems, KeyFit, and KeyFit 30.
Solution – Chicco replaced the seat bases.
Chicco KeyFit 30 is a Wise Buy.
The KeyFit 30 has many features making it easy to use like the one pull system for the LATCH and the harness.
Also, the car seat is compatible with strollers making it easy and safe to move your infant from the car to the stroller. The KeyFit 30 is an excellent choice for an infant car seat because of all of the safety features.
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